| ZIP Code | 28659 |
|---|---|
| City | North Wilkesboro |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Wilkes County |
| Area Code | 336/743 |
| Elevation | 1,144 ft |
| Latitude | 36.215959 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.148169 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37193 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.0 yrs ↑ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.43 |
| Below Poverty | 17.9% ▲ 79% above avg |
| College Grads | 36.0% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 6.9% ▲ 42% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 213 (1.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 4,095 (33.6%) |
| Some College | 2,078 (17%) |
| Associates | 1,424 (11.7%) |
| Bachelors | 1,916 (15.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,467 (20.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $49,578 ▼ 35% below avg ↑ 29% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $151,700 ▼ 46% below avg ↑ 32% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $714/mo ↑ 8% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 9,647 |
| Vacant Units | 1,015 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.43 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 9,647 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,015 |
| Owner Occupied | 66.1% |
| Renter Occupied | 33.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.43 |
ZIP code 28659 is located in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, within Wilkes County. With a population of 21,557, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 42 years. Economically, 28659 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $49,578 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28659 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $151,700 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $714 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 66.1% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 32% since 2019.
The population of 28659 is primarily White (79.89%). Residents are moderately educated — 36.0% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 17.9%. Household income has grown by 29% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28659 stands at 6.9%, which is above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 80%.
Overall, ZIP code 28659 in North Wilkesboro, NC is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 21,557 residents, a median household income of $49,578, and a median home value of $151,700, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.